Pope Francis named six superiors of women’s religious orders, a consecrated laywoman and the superior of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to be full members of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
International News
Vatican Lifts Immunity of Papal Diplomat Accused of Assault
The Holy See has waived the diplomatic immunity of a Vatican diplomat who has been under investigation by authorities in Paris for allegedly sexually assaulting a city official.
Irish Primate Urges Protection of Pro-Life Laws in Northern Ireland
Ireland’s top prelate warned against an attempt to “hijack” a bill concerning Northern Ireland’s government to legalize abortion in the territory.
Pope Meets Putin; Two Leaders Talk About Ukraine, Syria, Venezuela
Pope Francis welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Vatican July 4, and the two discussed the ongoing wars in Eastern Ukraine and in Syria, the Vatican said. Russia plays a major role in both conflicts.
French Government Moves Forward on Notre Dame Restoration Plans
Nearly three months after a fire devastated Paris’s famed Notre Dame Cathedral, France’s National Assembly moved closer to enacting legislation to approve the restoration process and timeline for one of the world’s most beloved landmarks.
Sisters Support Nigeria’s Migrants Traumatized by Deceitful Traffickers
Gloria Omoresewua was just a teenager in 2003, when a Nigerian woman brought her to Spain and forced her into prostitution.
Amid Tensions in China, Vatican Tells Clergy to Follow Their Conscience
The Vatican has told bishops and priests in China that they must follow their own consciences in deciding whether to register with the government, and it urged Catholics in the country not to judge them for the choices they make.
Migrant Shelters Suffer Harassment as Mexico Toughens Enforcement
The Franciscan-run migrant shelter La 72 has welcomed a steady stream of migrants since opening its doors in 2011 in this sweaty railway terminus near the Guatemalan border.It has also endured a steady stream of harassment — from politicians and police officers, immigration officials and even organized crime — as it tended to people fleeing poverty and violence in Central America.
Vatican Cemetery to Be Searched in Decades-Old Missing Girl Case
Thirty-six years after the disappearance of 15-year old Italian girl Emanuela Orlandi, the Vatican announced on Tuesday that two graves located in the German cemetery within Vatican grounds will be opened on July 11, following the allegations made by her family that her body is there.
Pope Praises Trump-Jong-un Meeting as Example of ‘Culture of Encounter’
“In these last few hours, we have seen in Korea a good example of the culture of encounter,” Pope Francis said in his Sunday Angelus general address at the Vatican, which occurred a few hours local time after a meeting between Trump and Jong-un.